Everything you need to know about nonfiction book publishing, from writing proposals to marketing your finished book.
A nonfiction proposal is less about showing off your best writing and more about proving your idea is worth publishing. You'll usually include an overview (the hook), details on your target readers, comparisons to similar titles, your author platform, a chapter-by-chapter outline, and 1–3 sample chapters. Think of it as a business plan for your book. Many authors also run their draft chapters through tools like Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) to tighten readability before sending them out — it makes the proposal stronger and saves revision time later.
Most agents and publishers ask for 1–3 polished chapters. They don't need the full book — they want to see your voice, structure, and how the idea develops. The introduction plus one mid-book chapter is a common combination. Always check submission guidelines carefully. If you're unsure which chapters to polish, a quick structural review (AI or human) can help you pick the strongest ones.
Costs range from DIY budgets under a few hundred dollars to several thousand if you hire editors, designers, and marketers. On average, most serious nonfiction authors invest $1,000–$4,000 for editing, cover, formatting, and basic marketing. Think of it as a business investment. A tool like Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) can lower some of those costs by catching structural issues early, so you spend less in repeated human edits.
There are four main types: developmental editing (big-picture structure and clarity), line editing (sentence flow and tone), copyediting (grammar and consistency), and proofreading (final polish). If your book's argument isn't clear, start with developmental. If you're happy with structure, a copyedit + proofread may be enough. Using Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) for an early assessment is a smart way to figure out which editing stage you really need.
Both paths have benefits. Traditional publishing offers prestige, distribution, and editorial support, but it's slow and competitive. Self-publishing gives you full control and higher royalties but means handling editing, design, and marketing yourself. Some authors even do both over time. Many self-publishers use Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) to polish their drafts before sending them to human editors or directly uploading to publishing platforms.
Look at acknowledgments in books similar to yours — authors usually thank their agents. Use directories like QueryTracker, Publisher's Marketplace, or Reedsy. Then tailor your query to each agent's interests. Agents want clarity and professionalism. Running your chapters through Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) first ensures your sample pages read smoothly, which helps you stand out in the pile.
ISBNs are like global ID numbers for books. You'll need one for each format (print, ebook, audiobook) if you want wide distribution in bookstores and libraries. In the U.S., Bowker sells them; in other countries, ISBNs are issued by local agencies. Amazon KDP offers a free one, but then Amazon is listed as your publisher. Buying your own gives you more professional control.
KDP is perfect for Amazon sales (ebooks and print), while IngramSpark is best for getting into bookstores and libraries. Many authors use both — KDP for Amazon reach, IngramSpark for "wide" distribution. Before uploading, make sure your file is consistent and clean. A pre-format review with Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) can help you avoid common readability issues.
Traditional publishing can take 1–3 years (proposal, agent, contract, editing, production). Self-publishing can be much faster — weeks to months — but depends on how polished your manuscript is. Cutting down revision rounds with Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) can speed things up, since you'll catch structure or clarity issues before editors do.
Editing is usually the biggest expense (hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on manuscript length). A professional cover might cost $200–$1,500. Marketing can be free (social, outreach) or several thousand for paid campaigns. Many indie authors recommend budgeting $1,000–$4,000 overall. Using Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) early means you may not need as many costly editing rounds, freeing up money for design and marketing.
Publishers want proof you can reach readers. Be specific: mention your newsletter list, speaking gigs, podcast guest spots, social reach, or partnerships. Compare your book to others and explain how yours is different. Many authors also use AI-based assessments to refine their positioning — a Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) report can highlight readability or tone, which makes your marketing story sharper.
Sometimes, if the project is promising and expensive research is critical. More often, authors fund their own and recover costs from advances or royalties. Be upfront about major research needs in your proposal. Even if the publisher won't cover them, showing that you've planned carefully improves your credibility.
Keep it professional: double-spaced, 12pt font (Times New Roman or similar), 1-inch margins, and clear chapter breaks. Include a title page and table of contents for proposals. Avoid quirky fonts or over-designing. Clean, readable pages impress more than flashy formatting. Tools like Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) can help ensure each chapter is consistent in tone and structure before you submit.
Advances can be modest ($5,000–$15,000) for smaller presses or six figures for high-platform authors. Royalties in traditional publishing are usually 7–15% of net sales. Self-published authors don't get advances but can earn up to 70% royalties on ebooks. Decide whether you prefer stability (advance) or long-term potential (higher royalties).
Yes — but choose wisely. Blurbs from respected names in your field or reviews in trusted outlets add real credibility. Readers can spot meaningless praise a mile away. The best approach is usually a mix: ask colleagues and experts for genuine endorsements, and strategically use professional review services with solid reputations. Having a strong, polished manuscript — one that's been reviewed with Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) or by editors — makes it easier to attract blurbs.
Look at comparable titles. Shorter books are usually $9.99–$14.99 in print; more comprehensive works can go up to $24.99. Ebooks often sit between $2.99 and $9.99. Pricing is flexible if you're self-publishing — test and adjust based on reader response. Just make sure the perceived value (content quality, design, clarity) matches the price. Early readability checks help here too.
Beta readers are like a test audience. They'll tell you if a chapter is confusing, boring, or engaging. Professional editors, on the other hand, bring technical craft and structure advice. The best workflow is: beta readers → AI/manuscript assessment → professional editing. That way, you save money and your editor focuses on high-value improvements. Using Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) as a middle step makes this process smoother.
Make your book available through distribution platforms bookstores already use, like Ingram. For libraries, reviews in trade journals and community demand make a difference. Local outreach matters too — walking into a bookstore with a polished copy works better than cold emails. Ensure your manuscript and metadata are professional. Using Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) beforehand ensures your book reads at a professional level.
It can open doors, but it's not always cost-effective. Translating is expensive, and foreign rights deals depend on your book's subject and international appeal. If you go traditional, your publisher may handle it. If self-publishing, research your target market first. Some authors test interest with an English edition and then invest in translation if sales are strong.
Think long game, not just launch day. Start months in advance: grow your email list, pitch podcasts, guest-blog, and build community buzz. During launch week, schedule reviews, events, and social campaigns. Afterward, keep promoting with speaking gigs, media outreach, or webinars. A clear, polished manuscript is your foundation — and tools like Manuscript AI (https://www.manuscriptai.co/) can help ensure the content itself is launch-ready before you focus on promotion.
